I need to pick your brains. I currently have an '01 and love it but my cousin is looking to get rid of his '03 auto 4x4 QC with 78K on it. I know my 2nd Gen like the back of my hand and all the problems associated with'em. What are the know problems of the '03s? Anything to be concerned with? I don't know the price but I imagine it'll somewhere @ 12-13K since hes already depreciated it out and just wants wholesale or less (hes very wealthy). It's mint condition also.

Kind of funny, but I was talking to the wifey about it and suggested selling my '01 to get the '03 and she said why would you do that? Sell the TDI and I'll drive the new one and you can just drive the '01. Sounds good to me...what a woman.

 

the only problems i had with my 03 was lp and injectors. fuel filter needs to be canged about every 10k to protect the injectors great year model

 

Get the build date off the door. Mid 03s had the 48re trans and some improvements. The diff ratio is inside the glovebox door. Some early 03s had problems with driveline and power steering hose vibrations but he'd know by now if his was one of them. Also the upper steel alternator bracket can crack - no biggie. Some had door gasket wind noise. It looks like all the 3rd gens have AC damper door/actuator breakage problems. Mine only has the AC door problems. I had a great running 97 5sp 3.54 but I still wouldn't go back. I love my QC and the 4.10 6spd is twice the towing machine as the 97. Craig

 

I like mine. Have a had a host of problems that any truck would have had given the beating I've dished out. Latest and weirdest is the trail arms buckled while hitting the brakes. Kind of strange considering I'd think its a part that would outlive the truck. All in all, I'd say its held up very well.

 

I had an 03 with the SO motor and the 47re tranny......... That was the biggest pig I have ever owned. There was a dead band in the power at 60 mph. I even had the 4.10 gears and a 3000 pound car on a 1000 pound trailer would bring that thing down from 65 mph to 55 in the hills..... Make sure it is a 48re Tranny. Just my HO..

 

Mine has been great. I have a no start issue that I am dealing with right now, but what my truck has been through, I am not blaming it! I LOVE THIS TRUCK!! '03 QC LB DRW 2WD 6 SPEED 305/555

My blend door in the HVAC broke is the only other problem I have had with this truck. Ive got 150+K miles on it, and they are HARD miles. No oil leaks, tranny leaks, rear end leaks, coolant leaks, power steering leaks, nothing (even has the original batteries in it still!!!!)

Oh, I almost forgot. I did replace a front unit bearing here about 6 months ago. Expensive ($350) but easy to change out.

Good luck, and if you decide to pick it up, you won't be disappointed!

 

Thanks for the replys guys. I'll have to check out the tranny but I've had good luck out of my 47Re. It made it 165K and 40K bombed miles before it started to give trouble but I would prefer the 48re. Hopefully it'll come in at a steal and I won't have any other choice but to get it. If I do, be looking for me over here because I'll definately have some questions.

 

The 03 with an auto is not a HO engine. HO's only came with a 6 speed in 03.
The HP/torque rating should be on the side of the head.

 

03's came auto and HO.....you just couldn't get a 47RE and an HO.....

Although you can get a SO with a 48RE....

 

Right, sorry. I keep forgetting that some later trucks came that way. When I got mine the HO/6sp was the only one available.

 

When they were first released, you could only get the 6 speed w/ the 305/555 HO. Mid year they released the 48re behind the HO...

LOVE my 03. That things been beat on and just keeps going. Had the front/rear driveshafts replaced, under warranty, currently have the blend door problem, and the PS pump blew up on me. It would turn left pretty well, but not so much right. Hd to drive it with the blown pump 2 weeks. To make a right turn I had to make 3 lefts around the block

Never had a real problem with it though; I wouldnt hesitate on gettin another...

FYI, the majority of the 48res internals will fit inside the 47re case. Its not 100% a 48re, but more like a 90% one, so dont be scared of the 47...

 

I'll hop on the 03 bandwagon also.
Even though I've only had it a couple of months now its sure a lot nicer to drive than my 2nd gens. I loved the sound of the 12v but it drove like the Flintstones log compared to the third gen.

 

I also am a big fan of the 03 HO trucks. Mine is an 03 HO 48RE quad cab, and I wouldn't trade this truck for anything except another one just like it. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

 

It doesn't really matter if it is a HO or a SO. Buy a smarty and all will be equal!

 

Love my 03!